Antiinflammatory effects of colforsin daropate hydrochloride, a novel water-soluble forskolin derivative

Background. To evaluate the effects of colforsin daropate hydrochloride (co lforsin), a water-soluble forskolin derivative, on hemodynamics and systemi c inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass, we conducted a prospe ctive randomized study. Methods. Twenty-nine patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting we re randomized to receive either colforsin treatment (colforsin; n = 14) or no colforsin treatment (control; n = 15). Administration of colforsin (0.5 mug kg(-1) min(-1)) was started after induction of anesthesia and was conti nued for 6 hours. Perioperative cytokine and cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels, hemodynamics, and respiratory function were measured serially. Results. Marked positive inotropic and vasodilatory effects were observed i n patients receiving colforsin. Interleukin IF, interleukin 6, and interleu kin 8 levels after cardiopulmonary bypass were significantly (p < 0.05) low er in the colforsin group. Plasma levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the colforsin group, and the levels c orrelated inversely (r = -0.56, p = 0.002) with the respiratory index after cardiopulmonary bypass. Conclusions. Intraoperative administration of colforsin daropate hydrochlor ide had potent inotropic and vasodilatory activity and attenuated cytokine production and respiratory dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass, The re sults indicate that the technique can be a novel therapeutic strategy for t he systemic inflammatory response associated with cardiopulmonary bypass. ( C) 2001 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.